2013 Acura ZDX brake

204
uuWhen DrivinguSH-AWD® (Super Handling-All Wheel Drive
TM)
Driving
SH-AWD® (Super Handling-All Wheel Drive
TM)
The system controls and transfers varying amounts of engine torque to each wheel
in accordance with the driving conditions.
SH-AWD® helps to enhance driving stability, and lets you handle situations like
slippery surfaces, such as snow, sand, mud, and steep hill, better than when driving
with two wheel drive. However, the system does not help to enhance braking. Be
precautious about the following:
•It is still your responsibility to drive safely when you steer, accelerate, and apply
brakes.
•Leave a sufficient margin when braking on slippery surfaces.
1SH-AWD® (Super Handling-All Wheel Drive
TM)
NOTICEAvoid continuously driving in sand or mud where a
wheel is likely to spin out, and do not drive once the
SH-AWD® indicator starts blinking. Driving
continuously under such conditions can damage the
system’s torque distribution unit.
Do not drive through deep water.
The SH-AWD® system may not function properly if
tire type and size are mixed.
Make sure to use the same size and type of tire, and
the air pressures as specified.

212Driving
BrakingBrake SystemUse the parking brake to keep the vehicle stationary when parking.
To apply:
Push the pedal down with your foot.
To release:
Push the pedal again.■Parking Brake
1Parking BrakeNOTICERelease the parking brake fully before driving. The
rear brakes and axle can be damaged if you drive
with the parking brake applied.
If you start driving without fully releasing the parking
brake, a buzzer sounds as a warning, and RELEASE
PARKING BRAKE appears on the multi-information
display.
Always apply the parking brake when parking.
To prevent the parking brake from freezing when the
outside temperature is extremely cold, do not apply
it, but do the following:
Put the shift lever in
(P, then use a block or other
wheel chock to stop the wheels from turning.
Parking Brake Pedal

213
uuBrakinguBrake System
Driving
Your vehicle is equipped with disc brakes at all four wheels. A vacuum power assist
helps reduce the effort needed on the brake pedal. The brake assist system increases
the stopping force when you depress the brake pedal hard in an emergency
situation. The anti-lock brake system (ABS) helps you retain steering control when
braking very hard.2Brake Assist System P. 215
2ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) P. 214■Foot Brake
1Foot Brake
Check the brakes after driving through deep water,
or if there is a buildup of road surface water. If
necessary, dry the brakes by lightly depressing the
pedal several times.
If you hear a continuous metallic friction sound when
applying the brakes, the brake pads need to be
replaced. Have the vehicle checked by a dealer.
Constantly using the brake pedal while going down a
long hill builds up heat, which reduces the brake
effectiveness. Apply engine braking by taking your
foot off the accelerator pedal and downshifting to a
lower gear.
Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving, as it will lightly apply the brakes and cause
them to lose effectiveness over time and reduce pad
life. It will also confuse drivers behind you.

214
uuBrakinguABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Driving
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)Helps prevent the wheels from locking up, and helps you retain steering control by
pumping the brakes rapidly, much faster than you.
The electronic brake distribution (EBD) system, which is part of the ABS, also
balances the front-to-rear braking distribution according to vehicle loading.
You should never pump the brake pedal. Let the ABS work for you by always
keeping firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal. This is sometimes referred to as
“stomp and steer.”■ABS operation
The brake pedal may pulsate slightly when the ABS is working. Keep holding the
pedal firmly down. On dry pavement, you will need to press on the brake pedal very
hard before the ABS activates. However, you may feel the ABS activate immediately
if you are trying to stop on snow or ice.
When the vehicle speed goes under 6 mph (10 km/h), the ABS stops.■ABS
1ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)NOTICEThe ABS may not function correctly if you use an
incorrect tire type and size.
When the ABS indicator comes on while driving,
there may be a problem with the system.
While normal braking is not affected, there is a
possibility of the ABS not operating. Have the vehicle
checked by a dealer immediately.
The ABS does not reduce the time or distance it takes
to stop the vehicle. It only helps with steering control
during hard braking.
In the following cases, your vehicle may need more
stopping distance than a vehicle without the ABS:•When driving on rough road surfaces, including
when driving on uneven surfaces, such as gravel or
snow.•When tire chains are installed.
You may hear a motor sound coming from the
engine compartment while system checks are being
performed immediately after starting the engine or
while driving. This is normal.

215
uuBrakinguBrake Assist System
Driving
Brake Assist SystemDesigned to assist the driver by generating greater braking force when you depress
the brake pedal hard during emergency braking.■Brake assist system operation
Press the brake pedal firmly for more powerful braking.
When brake assist operates, the pedal may wiggle slightly and an operating noise
may be heard. This is normal. Keep holding the brake pedal firmly down.

216Driving
Parking Your VehicleWhen Stopped1.Depress the brake pedal firmly with the shift lever in
(D.
2.Firmly apply the parking brake.
3.Move the shift lever from
(D to
(P.
4.Turn off the engine.
Always set the parking brake firmly, in particular if you are parked on an incline.
1Parking Your Vehicle
Do not park your vehicle near flammable objects,
such as dry grass, oil, or timber.
Heat from the exhaust can cause a fire.1When StoppedNOTICEThe following can damage the transmission:•Depressing the accelerator and brake pedals
simultaneously.•Holding the vehicle in place when facing uphill by
depressing the accelerator pedal.•Moving the shift lever into
(P before the vehicle
stops completely.
Raise the wiper arms when snow is expected.

227
Maintenance
This chapter discusses basic maintenance.
Before Performing Maintenance
Inspection and Maintenance ............ 228Safety When Performing Maintenance..... 229Parts and Fluids Used in Maintenance
Service ........................................... 230
Maintenance Minder
TM..................... 231
Maintenance Under the Hood
Maintenance Items Under the Hood ..... 235Opening the Hood ........................... 236
Engine Compartment Covers ........... 237
Recommended Engine Oil ................ 238
Oil Check ......................................... 239
Adding Engine Oil ............................ 240
Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter ..... 241Engine Coolant ................................ 243
Transmission Fluid ............................ 245
Brake Fluid ....................................... 246
Power Steering Fluid Check.............. 247
Refilling Window Washer Fluid......... 248
Replacing Light Bulbs....................... 249Checking and Maintaining Wiper
Blades.......................................... 256Checking and Maintaining Tires
Checking Tires ................................. 258Tire and Loading Information Label ...... 259Tire Labeling .................................... 259
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles) ...... 261Wear Indicators ............................... 263
Tire Service Life ................................ 263
Tire and Wheel Replacement ........... 264
Tire Rotation .................................... 265
Winter Tires ..................................... 266
Battery............................................... 267
Remote Transmitter Care................. 268Climate Control System Maintenance
..... 269
Cleaning
Interior Care .................................... 270
Exterior Care.................................... 272

228Maintenance
Before Performing MaintenanceInspection and MaintenanceFor your safety, perform all listed inspections and maintenance to keep your vehicle
in good condition. If you become aware of any abnormality (noise, smell, insufficient
brake fluid, oil residue on the ground, etc.), have your vehicle inspected by a dealer.
(Note, however, that service at a dealer is not mandatory to keep your warranties in
effect.) Refer to the separate maintenance booklet for detailed maintenance and
inspection information.■Daily inspections
Perform inspections before long distance trips, when washing the vehicle, or when
refueling.■Periodic inspections
•Check the automatic transmission fluid level monthly.2Automatic Transmission Fluid P. 245
•Check the brake fluid level monthly.
2Brake Fluid P. 246
•Check the tire pressure monthly. Examine the tread for wear and foreign objects.
2Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 258
•Check the operation of the exterior lights monthly.
2Replacing Light Bulbs P. 249
•Check the condition of the wiper blades at least every six months.
2Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades P. 256
■Types of Inspection and Maintenance
1Inspection and Maintenance
Maintenance, replacement, or repair of
emissions control devices and systems may be
done by any automotive repair establishment or
individuals using parts that are “certified” to
EPA standards.
According to state and federal regulations, failure to
perform maintenance on the maintenance main
items marked with # will not void your emissions
warranties. However, all maintenance services should
be performed in accordance with the intervals
indicated by the multi-information display.
2Maintenance Service Items P. 233
If you want to perform complex maintenance tasks
that require more skills and tools, you can purchase a
subscription to the Service Express website at
www.techinfo.honda.com.
2Authorized Manuals P. 314
If you want to perform maintenance yourself, make
sure that you have the necessary tools and skills first.
After performing maintenance, update the records in
the separate maintenance booklet.U.S. models